UK is known for its world class education system and is home to some of the most renowned universities in the world. The UK also happens to be among the top 5 most expensive study destinations in the world, which leaves students looking for financing options. This is where part time jobs in UK for international students come to the rescue.

Similar to most of the top study destinations around the world, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays in UK. If you are interested in knowing about the best part time jobs for international students in UK and the rules for the same, this guide will help you get clarity. So read on, right till the end!

Table of Contents:

How are Part Time Jobs in UK Beneficial for Students?
Eligibility Criteria for Part Time Jobs in UK for International Students
Rules and Regulations for Part Time Jobs in UK for Students
How Much Do Part Time Jobs in UK Pay?
Frequently Asked Questions about Part Time Jobs in UK for Indian Students

How are Part Time Jobs in UK Beneficial for Students?

Part time jobs in UK can be really beneficial for international students for a number of reasons. They not only fulfills your pocket money needs but is also helpful in many other ways such as:

Financial benefits: Studying in the UK is quite expensive and sure to cut a hole in your pocket. Taking up part-time work while studying will help you cover the cost of living in UK. This includes rent of accommodation, grocery bills, books and some miscellaneous expenses for studying in the UK.

Upskilling: Part-time jobs will help you develop valuable skills such as time management, commercial awareness, initiative, team spirit, management skills, communication skills, etc. that are demanded by employers.

Effective allocation of funds: When you start earning money you will also spend wisely knowing that you are responsible for your own money.

Work experience: If you are working on a job related to your field, you will get valuable experience that will stay for life and help you in working in a diverse environment after graduation.

Networking opportunities: While looking for part-time jobs you will learn networking, build professional relationships and develop effective job search strategies that will help you in kickstarting a successful career.

In order to find part time jobs in UK, students have to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Let us take a look at them-

Eligibility Criteria for Part Time Jobs in UK for International Students

International students require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK which also allows them to take part time jobs subject to UK student part time hours. To avoid landing in trouble, you must take care of any restrictions imposed by your university or other institution.

Take a look at the eligibility requirements for doing part time jobs in UK for International students :

Students must be 16 years or above

Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree programs at the universities

They must hold a Tier 4 visa to work in the UK

Once you know you are eligible, you must make yourself aware about the rules and regulations for part time jobs -

Rules and Regulations for Part time Jobs in UK for Students

The rules and regulations for international students seeking part-time work in UK are:

Students must only take up authorised work according to the restricted work hours.

Only part-time work is allowed during the course term. Full-time work is allowed during vacations.

Students are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the course term. Note that there may be restrictions on your working hours depending on the rigor of the course you are enrolled in and your Tier 4 sponsor.

During session breaks, students are allowed to work for 40 hours per week.

Students enrolled in foundation level courses or language centers can work for 10 hours per week during the course term.

Students pursuing part-time courses are not allowed to take up part time jobs in UK.

Note: You are not allowed to take the average of your weekly work hours for a month since the term “week” has a legal definition for part-time workers.

Part-Time Jobs NOT ALLOWED for students holding a Tier 4 visa:

Work with any company as full-time employees;
Work as a doctor or dentist in training unless you are pursuing a foundation level program in either of these fields;
Entertainer or sportsperson;
Freelancing, contractual work or self-employment;
Run a business

Let us move further and take a look at the kinds of jobs you can get as a student in UK:

Types of Part Time Jobs are Available for International Students

The best part time jobs for international students in the UK are available on-campus as well as off-campus. Let's take a closer look at each category :

On-campus Jobs

Working on the campus of your university itself helps you save the time and money spent on travelling. It also helps in maintaining study and work balance. On-campus job vacancies generally arise in libraries, computer labs, cafeteria, admissions office, laboratories, etc. These opportunities are limited and fill fast due to the number of job seekers.

Some of the best part time jobs for students UK that are offered on campus are:

Library Assistant
Campus Ambassador
Lab Assistant
Tech Support
Campus Guide
Student content creator
Teaching Assistants
Resident Assistant

Off-campus Jobs

Off-campus jobs are easier to find especially because these are available in several domains. While looking for jobs off-campus keep a few things in mind such as the distance between your university and workplace. Also make arrangements for your daily commute and keep some time in hand when you can complete your college assignments.

The most widely available part time jobs in UK for international students are:

Bookstore Helper

Data Entry Operator

Grocery Store Assistant

Waiter/ waitress

Cashier

Delivery Boy

Sales Associate

Customer Service Executive

IT Assistant

Personal Tutor

Receptionist

NOTE:

Several other sectors also employ students for part time job roles such as Marketing, Education, Nursing, Veterinary Care Assistant, Gardener, Fitness Instructor, etc. However they are difficult to find as such opportunities are limited and also require a basic level of knowledge and expertise in that field.

How Much Do Part Time Jobs in UK Pay?

The average pay scale for part time jobs in UK for students is based on the hours of work and the job role. Let us take a look at the average pay scale in the UK and whether or not you have to pay tax on your income:

Average Pay Scale

As a student, you can commit limited hours of your day which means you may take up jobs only over the weekend or those with the flexibility to work in shifts. The average pay for night shifts is generally 1.5 times greater than the day shift.

Legally, all employers must pay according to the National Minimum Wage which has been tabulated below:

Age Group	Average Pay per Hour
Under 18	£4.62
18-20	£6.56
21-22	£8.36
23 and above	£8.91

Payment for part time jobs in UK for students will be directly deposited into their bank account on a weekly, fortnight or monthly basis. Make sure you are on clear terms with your employer about the payment frequency before entering into an agreement.

Now let us take a look at the areas that have the highest paying part time jobs for international students in UK:

Job Field	Average Pay per Hour
Marketing	£11.50
Education	£11.04
Customer Service	£10.35
Social Care	£9.05
Administration	£9
Data Entry	£9.23

Taxes Applicable for Students

Taxes will only be applicable on a student’s income that exceeds the tax allowances. You must register for a local tax number known as the National Insurance Number after securing a job to be able to pay taxes on your salary.

The tax return will be payable if your annual income for part-time work in UK exceeds £12,570 per year. If your earnings are below this, you are not liable to pay any taxes.
The basic tax rate of 20% is payable if your income is between £12,571 to £50,270.

While working for an employer, the taxes on your income will be automatically deducted from your wages and credited to the HM Revenue and Customs. This system is known as Pay As You Earn or PAYE. Don’t worry if your income does not exceed the personal allowance, you can claim a refund of your taxes.

The next question that arises is how to find the best part time jobs for students in the UK? Let us discuss that below-

How Can a Student Find a Part Time Job in UK?

Before you start looking for a part time job in the UK, compile your educational qualifications, relevant experiences, achievements and skills in a CV. You can now start looking for part-time work opportunities in UK through various sources discussed below:

Local Newspapers: This is the most common source to find part-time jobs around you.

Online Job Portals: Online job search portals allow you to filter jobs according to your requirements, shortlist and apply for them.

Career Center of your University: The career team at various universities are dedicated to help students seek suitable jobs close to the university.

Networking: Professional networking with seniors, alumni, friends and talking to faculty members can help you get leads about part-time work opportunities. Talk to people, visit nearby cafes and restaurants and ask about vacancies, stop by retail outlets or grocery stores and inquire if they are looking for assistants.

Start your search by looking for jobs in close proximity to your campus. Remember that your primary goal was to acquire quality education so opt for work where you will not have to compromise with your studies.

There is a rise in demand for part time work for international students in UK, given the cost of education and living in one of the most expensive countries in the world. So if you have already made up your mind to work while studying in UK, just keep in mind the rules and regulations for part time jobs in UK for Indian students to avoid risking revocation of your visa. Give your best to strike a balance between study and work and you will do it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Part Time Jobs in UK for Indian Students

Are part time jobs easily available for international students in the UK?

Ans. Yes, part-time jobs are easily available for international students studying in the UK. Off-campus part time jobs are relatively easier to find than on-campus jobs in the UK.

How many hours are international students allowed to work in the UK?

Ans. International students on a Tier 4 visa enrolled in full-time degree programs are allowed to work for maximum 20 hours per week during the course term. Students enrolled in foundation level courses or language courses are allowed to work for a maximum of 10 hours per week.

What are the highest paying part time jobs for students in UK?

Ans. The highest paying and best part time jobs for students UK are those in marketing, education, sales, administration, customer care, etc.

What happens if an international student accidentally applies for a restricted job role?

Ans. International students who study in UK on a student visa must be cautious while looking for a part-time job. If the rules and regulations laid by the UK Border Agency are violated even accidentally, you risk facing revocation of your visa and deportation.

How much will I be paid to work part time in UK?

Ans. The payment for your job depends on various factors such as the job role, type of employer, location, duration, etc. There is a fixed wage per hour that an employer must legally pay their employees known as the National Minimum Wage. The current National Minimum Wage as of April 1, 2021 is:

£6.56 per hour for employees between 18 and 20 years of age.
£8.36 per hour for employees between 21 and 22 years of age.
£8.91 per hour for employees aged 23 years or above.

Complete Guide to Finding Part time Jobs in UK for International Students: Eligibility, Rules, Pay & More